Rob Lowe's former nanny filed a lawsuit Monday claiming the actor often exposed himself and fondled her inappropriately. Armed with attorney Gloria Allred, who reps Heather Mills and Melanie B, she appeared on the Today show.
Rob Lowe's former nanny filed a lawsuit Monday claiming the actor often exposed himself and fondled her inappropriately. Armed with attorney Gloria Allred, who reps Heather Mills and Melanie B, she appeared on the Today show. © Janet Mayer / Photorazzi
Jessica Gibson, 24, was hired by Lowe and his makeup artist wife, Sheryl, off and on for seven years, according to an 18-page document filed Monday in a Santa Barbara, Calif. court.
Gibson submitted her resignation in February.
According to People and other news reports, Lowe "placed his hand inside Gibson's pants" several times from about Sept. 2005 to around Jan. 2008. The actor also allegedly played buttocks grabbing games too.
The nanny appeared on the Today show, and read her statement (video below).
Gibson hired attorney Gloria Allred while the Lowes' attorney, Stanton "Larry" Stein, who countered the claims and said: "Ms. Gibson's older sister worked for the Lowes for 7 years. Ms. Gibson worked for the Lowes on and off for 7 years. She left at least 2 times, to pursue other jobs, and returned each time asking for more hours. She sent 2 emails the day after she left, both saying she loved the Lowes and her leaving had nothing to do with them but her heart wasn't into being a nanny anymore.
"This is totally inconsistent with her latest allegations," Stein added. "An investigation of dozens of present and former employees has failed to find one single person to verify her allegations. The allegations in the complain are simply untrue."
Allred then replied: "We don't think so."
Asked why she returned to work in the household, Gibson answered, "I love the children. I needed the job. I thought it would get better, and I was scared."
Gibson also made harassment claims against Sheryl, 46, claiming Lowe's wife was inappropriate by appearing nude and making off-color remarks, and would discuss deeply private matters in front of her, making the nanny uncomfortable.
Will there be any winners in the hear/say and allegations being flung from both sides?
Many observers note the aggressive legal action undertaken by the Lowe's indicated that the couple were trying to intimidate the less wealthy hired help they allege abused their duties of employment. Scaring them into silence at the threat of financial ruin.
A hearing date has yet to be set. Allred said on Today that she is "looking forward to litigation."
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